Enviro Board is not only a product but a technology. As you can see from the video below, Enviro Board is able to process up to a ton of straw at one time and convert it into a panel product to be used in construction. The process can convert many varieties of waste fibers, such as wheat, rice, rye, barley, oat straws, flax, cane, elephant grass, etc., into low-cost building panels. The award-winning product is non-toxic; resistant to fire, termites, mold, and mildew; earthquake and hurricane stable; and qualifies for LEED points. And it can be used in the construction of virtually any type of structure in various applications.

You’ve probably heard of Treasure Island, the entirely man-made island that was formerly a Naval base. It was decommissioned several years ago, but San Francisco wants to bring it back to life. The city has held hundreds of meetings to determine the future of the 400-acre Superfund site, and they’ve got a plan: Treasure Island will become a testbed for the newest ideas in energy efficiency, water conservation, waste management, and low-impact living.

XCR is a wonderful flooring product from the company Expanko. It is made of a mixture of recycled rubber and cork including recycled tires and post-industrial waste. XCR is a colorful, waterproof, durable flooring option. It is also slip-resistant, fire-resistant, and quiet and comfortable to walk and stand on. There are 27 standard colors to choose from including earthy neutrals, jewel tones, and brights and bolds. XCR is available in 24"x24"x1/8" tiles and rolls that are 48" wide in a variety of lengths — a great option for a range of commercial and residential projects. XCR can be expected to last more than 20 years, even in a commercial setting, and when removed, it can be recycled.

Happy New Year! This year is unlike any in the history of our country. We’re seeing this crazy whirlwind of issues coming together. The economy is entering a slight lull and the average American is losing width in the real estate pocketbook. The next presidential election is on the cusp and we’re seeing indicators of a brewing culture war. And to add to that, the topic of climate change is everywhere. The sister topic of pollution pops up fairly frequently also. So with this backdrop, I’ve been thinking about the green movement and what’s in store for next year. Here’s what I think: